My Nonprofit Reviews

Saiko

TAKE your kids else where. DO NOT join this swimming club!!! Your money will not go far for your children's swimming ability. Join others like San Marino Tsunamis, Max Aquatic or other neighboring team. I am writing this review in hope to effect change, and help other parents to know more about problems that happens to other(past) members.

This used to be a **great** swimming organization that started with the City of Arcadia with someone who is passionate about swimming whom still runs swimming programs in Arcadia Recreational Program. Later on, it changed to a non-profit organization which was 100% parent-run, volunteer, and it represent its members. All board members used to be elected by its members who pay monthly dues while their children participate in the swim club. This is true until the end of the year of 2005. Starting 2006 January, it seems to be questionable on how the club was been ran. Board members had regular meeting notes and update within the club until the end of year of 2005. 2012-2013 season, board members were all self appointing on who would participate as board members. No communication to all members in terms of helps that the team needs, qualification of any coach, firing a coach nor how decision has been made in regarding to the team. No communication to all members for 5 years prior to 2013 on what qualification it needs to be a board members. No member selection of any board members. Dues increase without good reason in 2013 nor communication when there was $56000 in reserve at the end of 2011 season (2011 Dec). Board members were hostile to its member when questions were raised on firing a perfect good coach. Board members screamed, threatening and non-responsive to its members. For members to request to view the bylaw, it was initially denied (which was in violation of both California and Federal non-profit organization law). Until pressures from so many parents, the board has finally agrees to let its members to view bylaw with extreme-high-security measure: there can be only one person at a time in the office to view the bylaw with board members over looking the process to ensure that I am not photograph the document. As a member, I can't have a copy of the bylaw. This is another violation of non-profit organization law within California. Board members showering their own kids with cash rewards which is illegal in non-profit organization in both Federal and California (For example, during Summer JO this July, current ARSC Board members' kids were awarded $50 and/or Speedo bag for making 2 or more JOs. Yet during Winter JO this February, no current ARSC Board members' kids made 2 or more JOs and no monetary award and/or bag were given.).

As a member of 2012-2013, many members have fought to seek changes. The board members are just so sneaky to refused to respond to its members concerns. When request to view their financial report, it was also denied initially. Parents start to search on their own on the web. Only after concern parents sent out emails on how to look for Arcadia Riptides Swimming Club's financial report, the board members would agree to share information with its member. What do they have to hide? This is also in violation of Federal IRS and California law. As 2013-2014 season about to start in September 3rd, I have no choice to take my family else where. I have to do what is best for my family to avoid all the crazy dramas of this organization. Current board members are there to seek for special benefits for their own kids. Try to ask for reading the bylaw, and see what the board member would say! I hope you would have a better luck on getting a hard copy!